How to Freeze Zucchini
Learn how to freeze zucchini even though it has a high water content. Enjoy your fresh zucchini all year long using these freezing methods.
Materials
- Zucchini as many as you want to freeze
Instructions
Method #1: Freeze Unblanched Zucchini
- First be sure to wash your zucchini.
- Cut/slice your zucchini to preferred size for freezing. I like to cut zucchini into 1/2-1/2 inch slices.
- Place zucchini slices into freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible and then freeze.
- Freeze for 6-9 months. Zucchini should stay good for 3-6 months in the freezer.
Method #2: Freeze Blanched Zucchini
- Cover a baking sheet (with a lip) with parchment paper. This will keep your zucchini from sticking and make it easy to transfer once frozen.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Blanching is a method of sticking vegetables into boiling water for 1-2 minutes and then setting into an ice bath. Be sure to get a pot of boiling water on the stove right away so you are not waiting on the water.
- Cut your zucchini to preferred size for freezing.
- Set zucchini into boiling water for 1-2 minutes then remove and place into an ice bath, or run under cold water until cool.
- Place zucchini onto Prepared Baking Sheet. Set baking sheet with zucchini into the freezer for 1-2 hours. Do not freeze too much longer than 2 hours otherwise zucchini may develop freezer burn.
- Transfer frozen zucchini into a freezer bag. Once zucchini are in a freezer bag remove as much air as possible and seal. TIP: Don’t forget to label the freezer bag and write an expiration date on the bag. (Today’s date plus 3-6 months).
Method #3: Freeze Shredded Zucchini
- First be sure to wash your zucchini.
- Shred zucchini using a food processor or a grater.
- Use a cheese cloth to wring out as must moisture as you can BEFORE freezing. This will keep the zucchini from becoming a mushy mess after you thaw it.
- Measure out in 1-2 cup portions and place in a quart sized ziplock freezer bags for storage and then freeze.